After the most recent cases of suspected abuse, Vienna is increasing protective measures in kindergartens. Primary education institutions should present a protection concept in the future and appoint child protection officers, Deputy Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS) announced on Thursday. In addition, a competence center is being created on the responsible MA 11.
The measures now underway are based on suggestions from an expert committee set up immediately after several allegations of abuse became known in a municipal kindergarten in Vienna-Penzing. Disciplinary action has already been taken. This is how the head of MA 10 (kindergartens) were relieved of their post. Now there is also a legislative initiative.
An important innovation is the legal embedding of child protection. It should be expressly stated that ensuring the protection of children against physical and psychological violence is one of the important tasks of the kindergartens heard. And: The law provides for mandatory child protection concepts for operators.
Applies to urban and private locations
This requirement is integrated into both the Vienna Kindergarten Act and the Vienna Day Care Act, which apply to groups of children and childminders. It will then apply to all primary education institutions in Vienna, i.e. not only to city locations, but also to private ones. In the future, operators will also have to appoint child protection officers and offer or facilitate regular training and further education.
There are also plans to establish a Child Protection Competence Center in MA 11. It should focus on “child protection in primary school”. Ensuring compliance with legal requirements is mentioned as the main task. It should also act as a point of contact for the various supporting organisations.
Wiederkehr claimed on Thursday: “Child protection is paramount in Vienna and the action plan will strengthen children’s rights.” All experts agreed that it was important and necessary to enshrine this in law.
“Krone” discovers cover-up scandal
As a reminder, on May 16, the “Krone” revealed the cover-up scandal surrounding allegations of abuse in a kindergarten in Vienna-Penzing. A teacher from the municipal facility is said to have passed on several small children. The parents of the group were not informed until 13 months later and were asked to remain silent.
Another educator in the same location, who took up a management position in the 23rd arrondissement in September 2021, is also accused of pedagogical misconduct. He has been reported to the public prosecutor, the presumption of innocence applies. The charge against the second teacher would not be about sexual abuse.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
